Excelencia in Education certified these colleges and universities for intentionally SERVING Latino students and for demonstrating positive student outcomes. Seal of Excelencia certified institutions represented less than 1% of colleges/universities yet enrolled 15% of Latino and 7% of all students, and graduated 17% of Latino and 7% of all students. LEARN MORE Seal of Excelencia Certified Institutions The 45 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia are identifying opportunities to innovate and building momentum on campus for continuous improvement in student success. Together, they model the transformation higher education needs to ensure access to excellence for Latino, and all, students — and strengthen our nation’s civic leadership and workforce. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institutions Institutions that earn the Seal of Excelencia began the journey to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students before certification and have successfully demonstrated institution-wide investment in continuous improvement in student success by aligning data, practice, and leadership. Institution Name Certified State California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt 2025-2028 California California State University-East Bay 2024-2027 California California State University-Long Beach 2023-2026 California California State University-Los Angeles 2023-2026 California California State University-Northridge 2023-2026 California Page 1 of 1 Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institutions Institutions that pursue Seal recertification after their first three-year certification concludes show sustained progress by advancing strategies, strengthening practices, and setting measurable goals that deepen their positive impact on Latino, and all, student success. Institution Name Recertified State California State University-Fresno 2024-2027 California California State University-Fullerton 2024-2027 California California State University-Sacramento 2023-2026 California City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College 2024-2027 Illinois Long Beach City College 2023-2026 California Page 1 of 1 Intentionally Thriving Institutions Intentionally Thriving Institutions continue their journey of more than six years and demonstrate positive impact beyond the educational pathway by investing in strategies and practices that prepare Latino, and all, students for success after graduation and connect them to the workforce. Institution Name Intentionally Thriving State Arizona State University 2025-2028 Arizona Austin Community College District 2025-2028 Texas California State University-Channel Islands 2025-2028 California Florida International University 2025-2028 Florida Grand Valley State University 2025-2028 Michigan Page 1 of 1 These trendsetting colleges and universities are leading transformation by ensuring students receive a quality education of value, using the Seal of Excelencia framework as a model that measures both outcomes and intentionality. This approach holds institutions accountable for continuous improvement, recognizes long-term progress, and requires deep, data-informed commitments that demonstrate institutions are evolving from just enrolling to intentionally serving Latino, and all, students. Are you ready to join this community of trendsetting institutions transforming higher education? BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

Excelencia in Action (E-Action) network is a diverse group of college and university presidents and chancellors who have committed to making their institutions learning environments where Latino students thrive. They are part of the Excelencia network and collaborate with Excelencia in Education to leverage collective expertise and resources, foster partnerships, and amplify current efforts at the national level. Excelencia in Action The Excelencia in Action (E-Action) network is a diverse group of college and university presidents and chancellors as well as program leaders across the country committed to joining a community of common cause and transforming their campuses to become learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive. They are part of the Excelencia network and collaborate with Excelencia in Education to leverage collective expertise and resources, foster partnerships, and amplify current efforts at the national level. For enrollment and other questions, please email E-Action@EdExcelencia.org . The E-Action network represents only 5% of colleges and universities, but it enrolls 26% and graduates 29% of Latino students nationwide. LEARN MORE Filter by State Select State Filter by Part of a System Select Part of a System Abilene Christian University Phil Schubert President Arizona Western College Reetika Dhawan President Bunker Hill Community College Pam Y. Eddinger President California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt Richard Carvajal President California State University-Bakersfield Vernon B. Harper Jr. President California State University-Fresno Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval President California State University-Northridge Erika Beck President Central New Mexico Community College Tracy Hartzler President City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College Andres Oroz President Columbia Basin College Rebekah Woods President Dallas College Justin Lonon Chancellor Elgin Community College Peggy Heinrich President Adams State University David A. Tandberg President Aurora University Susana Rivera-Mills President CUNY Hunter College Nancy Cantor President California State University, Dominguez Hills Mary Ann Villarreal President California State University-Channel Islands Sue Andrzejewski Interim President California State University-Fullerton Ronald Rochon President California State University-Sacramento Luke Wood President Cerritos College José Fierro President Clarkson College Andreia Nebel President Columbia Gorge Community College Kenneth Lawson President Dalton State College John M. Fuchko III President Evergreen Valley College Vinicio J. López President Aims Community College Leah Bornstein President Austin Community College District Russell Lowery-Hart Chancellor CUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community College ** President California State University, Monterey Bay ** President California State University-Chico Stephen Perez President California State University-Long Beach Loren J. Blanchard President California State University-San Bernardino ** President City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College Daniel López President Coastline College Vince Rodriguez President Community College of Rhode Island Rosemary Costigan President Dominican University Glena Temple President Fairleigh Dickinson University Michael Avaltroni President Arizona State University Michael Crow President Bakersfield College Stacy Pfluger President California Lutheran University John Nunes President California State University, Stanislaus Britt Rios-Ellis President California State University-East Bay Cathy Sandeen President California State University-Los Angeles Berenecea Johnson Eanes President California State University-San Marcos Ellen J. Neufeldt President City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College Isaac Zuniga President College of Lake County ** President Cuyahoga Community College Michael Baston President EDP University of Puerto Rico Gladys Nieves Vázquez President Felician University Mildred Mihlon President 1 2 3 4 1 ... 1 2 3 4 ... 4

Irma Becerra is President of Marymount University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Marymount University Irma Becerra President Institution website: https://marymount.edu/ Bio Page: https://marymount.edu/about-mu/about-becerra/#gsc.tab=0 Irma Becerra is President of Marymount University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Stacy Pfluger is President of Bakersfield College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Bakersfield College Stacy Pfluger President Institution website: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/index.html Bio Page: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/directory/stacy_pfluger.html Stacy Pfluger is President of Bakersfield College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Veronique V. Tran is President of Gateway Technical College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Gateway Technical College Veronique V. Tran President Institution website: https://www.gtc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.gtc.edu/about-gateway/college-leadership/dr-veronique-v-tran-biography Veronique V. Tran is President of Gateway Technical College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Mary Ann Villarreal is President of California State University, Dominguez Hills and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University, Dominguez Hills Mary Ann Villarreal President Institution website: https://www.csudh.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.csudh.edu/president/presidents-bio/ Mary Ann Villarreal is President of California State University, Dominguez Hills and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in Virginia, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Virginia Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. To make our country stronger and meet the economy’s demand for a highly educated workforce, we must ensure access to quality higher education for Latino, and all, students. This requires accelerating Latino degree completion, increasing completion for all students, and scaling programs and initiatives proven to support Latino, and all, student success. The following demographics, institutional data, and practices inform Latino degree attainment. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2026) 35% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 54% Of White adults Fast Facts Virginia had the 14th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 16% K-12 Population 11% Total Population Enrollment 21% Latino Students 23% White Students Median Age 29 Latinos 43 White Median Income $36,861 Without a college degree $73,834 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 6%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Virginia. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 9%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Virginia. Top Institutions Enrolling and Graduating Hispanic Undergraduates, 2026 Rank Institution Name Sector Total Enrollment Hispanic Enrollment % Hispanic Enrollment Total Completions Hispanic Completions % Hispanic Completions 1 Northern Virginia Community College Public, 2-year 31,737 9,352 29% 5,526 1,341 24% 2 George Mason University Public, 4-year or above 27,083 4,724 17% 6,047 999 17% 3 Liberty University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 50,059 3,722 7% 11,406 690 6% 4 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Public, 4-year or above 30,435 3,138 10% 8,075 586 7% 5 Virginia Commonwealth University Public, 4-year or above 20,797 2,424 12% 4,679 497 11% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students. Click here to contact us . Sources U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

This brief identifies top institutions graduating and preparing Latinos for a global economy, providing a roadmap for employers to meet U.S. workforce needs. < Back Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy Excelencia in Education February 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has served its mission to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education in order to address the country’s need for a highly educated workforce and civic leadership. "Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy" represents the latest extension of Excelencia’s hallmark work of bringing national attention to higher education institutions and practices advancing Latino talent, strengthening our economy, and ensuring America’s future. Latinos have the highest labor force participation, with 66 percent of those 16 years and older in the labor force, and demonstrates they will account for 91 percent of new workers — the largest number of any group — and one in five workers overall by 2031. However, Latinos are the most likely to be employed in manual labor occupations and earn the lowest salary compared to other groups. This brief presents Excelencia’s roadmap for both employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by advancing Latino talent. The top institutions awarding credentials at each level are: NUC University in Puerto Rico (Certificate) Miami Dade College in Florida (Associate) Florida International University in Florida (Baccalaureate and Master’s) Nova Southeastern University in Florida (First Professional and Doctorate) Strategies for institutions and employers to link Latino graduates to the workforce include: Invest in high-wage, high-demand career pathways by developing stackable credentials in collaboration with employers and funding short-term career programs. Provide transition services between completion and employment or graduate school, including financial and mental health support. Connect the Latino talent pipeline to employers by recruiting graduates for internal employment opportunities and leveraging partnerships with employers. Suggested Citation: Santiago, D., Labandera, E., Arroyo, C., & Nour, S.R. (February 2024). Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. This brief initiates a series that highlights the top institutions graduating Latinos in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), health, and education, accompanied by examples of institutional efforts to improve Latinos’ college completion linked to these sectors. Additional Resources PODCAST EPISODE: Finding your Workforce – Latino Talent for a Global Economy highlights best practices to leverage the high labor force participation rate of Latinos, projected to be one in five workers by 2031. Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education's co-founder and CEO, in episode 53 of ACT's Ready for Work podcast discusses the importance of developing stackable credentials, providing transition services, and connecting Latino talent to employers. Get ready to uncover actionable insights, debunk common myths, and discover best practices to reduce skill shortages. WEBINAR: Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy Ensuring America’s future to meet our nation’s economic and civic engagement requires both institutions and employers have a tactical plan to link Latino, and all, college graduates to the workforce. Leaders from institutions, employers, and philanthropy shared their perspectives and efforts for educating, preparing, and connecting Latinos to the workforce. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in Connecticut, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Connecticut Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. To make our country stronger and meet the economy’s demand for a highly educated workforce, we must ensure access to quality higher education for Latino, and all, students. This requires accelerating Latino degree completion, increasing completion for all students, and scaling programs and initiatives proven to support Latino, and all, student success. The following demographics, institutional data, and practices inform Latino degree attainment. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2026) 29% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 56% Of White adults Fast Facts Connecticut had the 18th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 27% K-12 Population 19% Total Population Enrollment 21% Latino Students 25% White Students Median Age 31 Latinos 48 White Median Income $37,296 Without a college degree $72,559 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 10%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Connecticut. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 15%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Connecticut. Top Institutions Enrolling and Graduating Hispanic Undergraduates, 2026 Rank Institution Name Sector Total Enrollment Hispanic Enrollment % Hispanic Enrollment Total Completions Hispanic Completions % Hispanic Completions 1 Connecticut State Community College Public, 2-year 32,292 10,444 32% 4,380 1,022 23% 2 University of Connecticut Public, 4-year or above 19,147 3,091 16% 5,558 804 14% 3 Central Connecticut State University Public, 4-year or above 7,670 1,534 20% 1,778 274 15% 4 Southern Connecticut State University Public, 4-year or above 6,180 1,519 25% 1,667 357 21% 5 Post University Private for-profit, 4-year or above 18,975 1,237 7% 1,956 285 15% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students. Click here to contact us . Sources U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Leah Bornstein is President of Aims Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Aims Community College Leah Bornstein President Institution website: https://www.aims.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.aims.edu/employee-directory/leah-bornstein Leah Bornstein is President of Aims Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Katy Ho is President of Portland Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Portland Community College Katy Ho President Institution website: https://www.pcc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.pcc.edu/president/ Katy Ho is President of Portland Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Higher education must prepare students for a changing workforce. As more jobs require postsecondary credentials, institutions and employers must intentionally prepare, connect, and invest in Latino, and all, college students to ensure they are equipped to meet the nation’s economic and civic needs. < Back Latinos and the Future Workforce Excelencia in Education March 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Fact Sheet SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Higher education has a responsibility to prepare students for a competitive and evolving workforce, yet gaps in access to quality education and career pathways persist. Latino students, the fastest-growing group of college-goers, are central to the nation’s workforce and economy. As more jobs require postsecondary credentials, institutions and employers must intentionally prepare, connect, and invest in Latino, and all, college students to ensure they are equipped to meet the nation’s economic and civic needs. In this fact sheet, we provide a summary of key trends on Latinos in the workforce and the role of institutions in advancing workforce success and economic mobility for Latino, and all, students. Key Trends Latino College Enrollment & Completion : Enrollment grew from 49% to 58%, and completion grew from 23% to 41% (2000–2023). Latinos’ Labor Force Participation : Highest among racial/ethnic groups (66%) and projected to account for 91% of new workers by 2031. Latino Representation in the Workforce: A third (34%) of Latinos were employed in manual labor occupations, while only 26% are in management or professional positions (2023). The Institutional Role in Workforce Preparation Institutions are designing academic pathways, partnerships, and data-informed strategies that advance workforce success and economic mobility. As many Latino students fit a post-traditional profile—often attending part-time, working while enrolled, and balancing family responsibilities—these efforts are essential to translating education into meaningful careers. Excelencia's fact sheet highlights four ways colleges and universities advance workforce success and economic mobility for Latino, and all, students: Preparing Students for Workforce Success by Embedding Career Development into Academics Linking Students to Workforce Opportunities Through Partnerships and Experiential Learning Measuring and Tracking Outcomes to Drive Data-Informed Workforce Preparation Advancing Economic Mobility Through Education-to-Career Pathways Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2026). Latinos and the Future Workforce . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce